The people of Uruk
were irritated by the wild behavior of Gilgamesh, their powerful king
who was one-third mortal, two-thirds divine. The gods answered the people's
prayers and sent down Enkidu, a brawny, shaggy-haired champion to rein
in Gilgamesh.

The wild man and the
willful king met. They wrestled together, locked in furious embrace. Gilgamesh
barely bested his opponent. Enkidu bowed before a strength greater than
his own. The two became inseparable friends and fellow adventurers.

They traveled to a
great cedar forest for a tree-cutting contest. But first they had to slay
the fire-breathing giant of the forest, Humbab. So fearful was this demon
giant, that even Gilgamesh quaked before him. But Humbab had neglected
to don his usual seven coats of armor. He was vulnerable  and soon
headless.

Gilgamesh's bravery
caught the attention of the goddess Ishtar. She was smitten by the handsome
king. He ignored her and ignited her wrath. Ishtar sent down the savage
bull of heaven. Every time the bull snorted, its breath carved deep ravines
through the earth. The monster ravaged Gilgamesh's kingdom. The heroes
went after it.

Enkidu seized the
bull's tail and Gilgamesh slew it. Enkidu tore off one of the bull's legs
and threw it at Ishtar. The goddess demanded he be punished. Enkidu then
bore the gods' wrath and died, too.

Civilization
started here  and with it came influential gods, goddesses, heroes,
demons, and mythical beasts. The ancient Near East produced deities later
found in Greco-Roman mythology. Epic myths, such as the story of Gilgamesh,
were read at ritual festivals to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.
The struggle between the two was an important part of Near Eastern myth.